Parks & Recreation Director

City of Steamboat Springs•Steamboat Springs, CO

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds City values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while espousing safety at all times. Provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the City’s extensive Parks & Recreation system, including 31 park sites totaling more than 1,000 acres; the Yampa River Botanic Park; the Yampa River Core Trail; all City-managed trails, streetscapes, and open spaces (encompassing more than 2,500 acres); the Howelsen Hill Ski and Sports Complex; Howelsen Ice Arena; Howelsen Rodeo Complex; Bear River Park; and Haymaker Golf Course. Guides and leads executive functions for natural resources management encompassing the Yampa River and the historic minerals springs. Directs a wide range of year‑round recreational, cultural, environmental, and community programs while ensuring the stewardship, accessibility, and long‑term sustainability of these essential public assets.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Parks/Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation programs including three years of supervisory experience at a management level, or Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree and Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Leads high-performing teams, guides community engagement, and champions resource stewardship to deliver outstanding municipal services.
Supervises direction and delivery of all departmental programs, services and community events, maintaining consistent standards, accountability and coordinated execution.
Manages the employee lifecycle and performance expectations while fostering a culture of trust and accountability, professional growth, inclusion and high achievement throughout the department.
Serves on the City’s Leadership Team and contributes to city-wide strategic planning.
Represents the City’s broader interests while advancing Parks & Recreation initiatives, ensuring decisions balance community needs, interdepartmental priorities, and long-term stewardship of public assets.
Champions the development and evaluation of the department’s leadership team to strengthen organizational alignment and effectiveness.
Coordinates with committees, boards, and partner organizations to include but not limited to, Botanic Park Board, Mineral Springs Committee, Routt Recreation Round Table, Stream Team, Yampa River Commercial Outfitters, Routt County Riders, SSWSC and Youth Athletics, Steamboat Digs Dogs, Friends of the Yampa, Yampa Water Conservation, Yampa River Society, Keep Routt Wild, Cattleman’s Conservation Association, Steamboat Springs History Museum, Rugby, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Steamboat Springs School District, Special Olympics, Cycle Effect, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, USFS, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Yampatika, Colorado Water Trust, Golf Management Committee, Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Board, Howelsen Ice Pavilion User Group, Emerald Park User Group, Mainstreet Steamboat, Rotary Club, and more.
Responsible for work and strategic planning, results-based facilitation, and operational management of all the division’s functions.
Creates and manages annual operating and capital budgets; identifies revenue opportunities and cost-effective service delivery.
Develops and implements departmental procedures and standards; as well as divisional goals, objectives and the development of both short and long-range plans of the department.
Plans, coordinates and directs a diversified year-round recreation and land management programs and operations.
Provides technical advice and serves as a subject matter expert where appropriate; and acts as a liaison with community partners, advisory boards and external agencies.
Oversees recreation, parks, and facility maintenance alongside facilitating capital improvements / asset management.
Collaborates with Risk Management, Safety Committee, and relevant external expert / regulatory agencies to ensure risk management, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures across all functional groups are operational and effective.
Ensures departmental compliance with environmental stewardship standards, public health regulations, ADA accessibility requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local codes governing parks, open spaces, facilities, and recreational programs.
Oversees communication strategies, public outreach, and media relations.
Prepares and presents reports, proposals, policies, and future plans to City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission.
Represents the City at civic events and public committees.
Leads the preparation, staffing and facilitation of Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council meetings, including establishing agendas and ensuring effective communication.
May serve as Acting City Manager when assigned.
Participates in interdepartmental projects such as COOP, sustainability initiatives, or emergency preparedness.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints.
Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with community organizations, governmental agencies, elected officials, school districts, business leaders, and regional organizations.